Top 10 New Cars For 2009

Looking to buy a new car this year? You may have your heart set on a particular make or model and you might have explored the new and second hand car prices on the internet and have decided that you can afford to purchase the car of your dreams, but a question you have to ask yourself is can you afford to run it?

Previously you may have asked yourself this question in passing and not really given it any real thought, but with the changes in Vehicle Excise Duty in 2009 and spiraling fuel and maintenance costs, coupled with the Credit Crunch and the through of recession for the next few years then running costs become much more important, therefore compromising and picking a car that you not only like, but will save you money in the long run is a sensible thing to do.

What about the changes in Vehicle Excise Duty? Now cars are classed by how much Carbon Dioxide they emit, therefore more environmentally friendly cars will be charged less Vehicle Excise Duty than more polluting vehicles. At the time of writing the least polluting cars will be exempt from paying tax at all, where as the most polluting cars (class M) such as large, big engined 4x4 vehicles will have to pay £440 per year. Come 2010-11 then this cost increases further to £455 per year.

If you're looking to purchase a brand new car, then there will be another shock for your wallet and it has been dubbed the 'showroom tax.' If you're looking to drive that Class M car out of the showroom, you'll also have to face a bill for a one off 'showroom tax' payment of £950.

To help you pick the right car in this current environmental and financial climate we've compiled a top ten list of cars and car related schemes to consider that could save you money.

1. Buy a Small Family Hatchback. Small family hatchbacks are generally more economical to run and are usually big enough to meet most people's needs. For example the VW Polo Bluemotion 1.4 Tdi is an economical runabout which falls into the Group A tax band. Not only do you not have to pay any tax on this vehicle, you can also avoid paying the showroom tax as this diesel car is so economical it is exempt. This car also boasts around 70mpg which makes it super cheap to run.

2. Buy a Diesel. When it comes to economical cars, vehicles with diesel engines are first to spring to most people's minds. Whilst historically this was typically true, with the cost of diesel at the pump increasingly outstripping the cost of petrol, buying a diesel may not be the best way to save money. For drivers who typically need to drive a lot of miles each year then a diesel will still be more cost effective than its petrol equivalent. However if you do not drive many miles then this may not be true. You'll need to do the maths before you take the plunge in buying a diesel car. On the plus side, the miles to the gallon of a diesel vehicle is typically much higher than petrol cars, so you will at the very least be doing more for the environment. Diesel vehicles are also typically classed into a lower tax band saving money on Vehicle Excise Duty.

3. Bi-Fuel Cars. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a method of running a car or van is becoming a popular way of running a vehicle more environmentally friendly and economically. Although you can buy a bi-fuel car from new many people pay to convert their current car to support LPG. The cost to convert a car is typically around £1500 and a real saving of around 30% on fuel costs can be made with each fill up at the pumps. Finding a petrol station that sells LPG may be one of the more difficult aspects of owning a LPG vehicle, with at least 10% of forecourts now stocking this alternate fuel type.

4. Electric Cars. - For many years electric cars have been pitched as the salvation to spiralling fuel costs and saving the environment from car pollution. Unfortunately in reality the electric vehicle hasn't really lived up to the hype, with slow vehicles and short battery life limiting range. There are a few vehicles on the market which may be suitable depending on your circumstances. If you live in the centre of a large capital city such as London then a vehicle like the G-Wiz may be the right vehicle for you. Owning a G-Wiz in London could make perfect sense as they are exempt from paying parking charges in Westminster, do not have to pay the Central London Congestion Charge and are free from both road tax and petrol costs. However there are some catches. The G-Wiz is a tiny vehicle and feels very cramped inside. The car has a top speed of 50-60 miles per hour, which may not be the end of the world in a city where traffic barely moves faster than a snail pace. Another limiting factor is that the range of the vehicle is just 70 miles and it takes a while to recharge the batteries, which is not quite as simple as filling up at a petrol station! A less extreme version of the G-Wiz is the Toyota Prius, a hybrid electric vehicle which predominately runs off petrol, but uses electric power at low speeds and recharges the batteries at faster speeds. The Prius can do around 65 mpg making it an extremely economical car to drive.

5. Large Cars For the Family and Dog. If you're single and want to save money on your car running costs or do your bit for the environment then you have a lot more options than families who need a larger vehicle to fit everyone in. Whilst smaller cars are more likely to be economical there are some larger vehicles out there which have been designed with both space and economy in mind. Take the Ford Focus C-Max 1.6 TDCI LX- a MPV which has been designed to give plenty of room inside. This is a five seat car which boasts a 1620 litre boot space and a top speed of 115mph. With fairly low emissions, helping to save money on Vehicle Excise Duty and decent economy with 58mpg this vehicle is a good bet for a family looking to save money.

6. Sports Performance in a 'Green Car'. Traditionally being green means that you also have to sacrifice something. However car manufacturers being aware of this have been trying to come up with a compromise- a car with good performance, yet can also give a decent MPG return. For example the Honda Accord 2.2 I-CTDI Sport is one of these cars with 52.3 MPG and a top speed of 129 miles per hour, a great combination of efficiency and performance that can meet all your expectations.

7. Buy a Classic Car. If you're scared that you'll loose a lot of money on the value of your car then buying a classic car may be the best option for you. Try to avoid fashion trends such as the one for VW Beetles and Camper Vans which inflate the cost of these vehicles short term for them to only crash at a later date. Instead pick a car that pure enthusiasts hanker after, as most classic cars tend to hold their value, or indeed increase over time as long as they are looked after. Maintenance costs are likely to be much higher with a classic vehicle and they may not be the most economical on the market, but for pure return on investment if you pick the right vehicle then you will likely get your money back when you come to sell the car.

8. Car Sharing Schemes. Those looking to save money on their everyday running costs of their cars could consider car sharing schemes. Basically car sharing schemes are set up for people to take turns when they drive, saving themselves money on fuel, plus gaining the benefit that they do not have to drive all the time! There are plenty of car sharing schemes out there, such as ones set up for parents doing the school run to a scheme for members of the Met Police Force in London. Explore the options in your local area and you may find that car sharing is a great way to save money. Perhaps if you want to get even more involved you could consider setting up your very own scheme.

9. Time Share Cars. You've heard all about time share villas in the Costa del Sol, but you don't necessary have to be scared of time share car schemes. These schemes can range from clubs where you get a share of a Ferrari or Bentley to drive at the weekend every so often, to pay-as-you-go car schemes where you can join a club, and simply book a run-around for as long as you want from an hour to a day. For those who tend to use public transport predominately and can't really justify owning a car then a pay-as-you-go scheme may be the perfect way of having access to a car without having to pay expensive rental costs. Live in a city and fancy a country jaunt once a month? No problem, book a car online and pick it up, swipe your membership card on the dashboard and you're away! Generally fuel costs (up to a point) are included and insurance is also taken car of.

10. Car Finance Packages. In the current economic climate taking out a car finance package makes perfect sense as you can split your payments over many months allowing you to fully budget for your vehicle. If you are considering buying a car in cash over a forecourt you may be concerned about the recession and redundancy. Having a nest egg in the bank can help provide comfort and piece of mind. Spending that nest egg in the current climate may not be the most sensible thing to do therefore buying a car on a car finance scheme can be the smart move. Also you will likely be able to afford a better car on finance than you might if you were to buy a car outright. The newer the car the more likely your maintenance costs will be reduced, again saving you money in the long run.

Julie is a freelance writer and loves to write on a wide variety of topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Samuel

The Greatest Car in the World?

Recently hailed as the best car in the world at the World Car of the Year Awards 2008, the Mazda2 excelled in every category to edge out the Ford Mondeo and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Starting with the exterior the Mazda2 puts other so-called 'hot-hatches' to shame. The sleek and stylish curves make this award winning Mazda youthful and dynamic. This is not surprising seeing as the chief designer was also in charge of the sporty Mazda RX-8. The contours and lines in the body shape suggest that the Mazda2 is ready for action; the sports version is even better with its 16 inch alloys and stylish body kit.

The interior keeps on form with the sporty theme and smart layout although it has been suggested that the plastic used for the dash could be better. The designers have made sure that there is plenty of space inside the 2 which is another plus with this supermini.

The new Mazda2 is light and agile which is great for fuel consumption and for lowering your CO2 emissions. Out of all the cars entered into the World Car of the Year awards the Mazda2 received the highest environment score of them all. This car is a great choice then if you are looking for a new engine that is friendly on the environment.

The Mazda may be light but safety is not compromised. The use of high-tensile steel is the reason behind this and has resulted in the Mazda2 being awarded a 5-star NCAP rating. The light-weight Mazda also means that it is easy to drive and is great for nipping around the town.

There are lots of different specifications to choose from which allows you to personalise the car to suit your own specific needs. You can choose from the 3door or the 5door and prices start at under 9000 GBP which is great considering you are getting yourself the "best car in the world."

Insurance costs are reasonable too which shows that the Mazda2 is a good investment economically. The Mazda also comes is a range of colours from the sporty 'brilliant black' to the bright 'spirited green metallic.' Oh, and then there is the special edition Mazda2 Tamura Special Edition to choose from which is even sportier with its sports bumper, grille and side skirts.

It is not surprising that the demand for the Mazda2 has been so high considering its impressive environmental credentials combined with its stylish looks. With motorists becoming more aware of environmental issues when choosing a car the Mazda2 is a great contender and compared with other 'environmentally friendly' cars on the market the Mazda2 wins on looks hands down.

Tony is an online marketer and writer. He is currently researching Mazda and the new Mazda2.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Hill

Honda Hybrid Cars 2009

Modern buyers and car owners are getting brighter through the years. That is because there are lots of car models and car makes out in car market today.

Every car brand and car model is shooting to get to the highest level of support and patronage that would sustain for a very profitable and profitable revenues and sales not just currently but also in the future.

Car buyers have become more and more demanding as years goes by. Hybrid car buyers expect car makers to address the concerns and issues they raise against the current cars they own.

Car buyers anticipate upcoming new car models to eliminate the unlikely traits and restrictions of the current car types.

It is in this manner that hybrid cars came to become the most interesting and most wanted cars of the next generation.

Giant car makers Toyota, Ford, General Motors and Honda have all at the same time embarked on a tight and pressuring race to become the best hybrid car manufacturer and distributor.

Honda cars

Out of scrap, Japans Honda has been highly productive in building their niche in the global car business. Two decades ago, Honda was nothing. It was an unknown Japanese car maker that seemed to hang around on its prototype cars.

As the years have gone by, Honda emerged hard to win the battle. Its perseverance has paid greatly, and now, it is competing head on against fellow Japanese car manufacturer Toyota in the worldwide number one spot for car producers.

In the United States alone, gross revenue of Honda hybrid cars have been constantly been on the climb in the past few years, and rivals , particularly the local based Ford and General Motors, are starting to feel the grind in their individual gross revenue.

Honda has become areal threat to other car manufacturers. There are more than enough reasons for that.

Hybrid cars

When the tight race for hybrid cars started a few years ago, Honda was among the first few car makers to have really stood up and take the subject seriously.

Over the years, Honda has made a patient, determined and capable confident team to set up R & D efforts for the brands own hybrid cars lines.

With their massive effort. Now, the most modern and most wanted hybrid car models are displaying the brand trade mark of Honda.

The Accord hybrid

One of the most popular Honda hybrid cars is the Accord hybrid vehicle that is now out in the market and loving a huge and warm support from hybrid car drivers.

Honda claims that their hybrid car is zero-emission, but at the same time, the driver and car purchaser will get to know once again the exhilaration and feeling of driving a hot high-performance car.

This hybrid car model by Honda is labeled as the makers most environmentally friendly. The costs are high, though, in the higher premium to the most priced traditional or conventional car model in the market today.

The Honda Civic Hybrid Car

Honda has recently released its 2006 Civic Hybrids. This Honda hybrid car features of a capacity to importantly reduce on gasoline consumption while at the same time savoring the same old, well-loved characteristics of the traditional Honda Civic cars.

It is understood that hybrid cars are somehow more inferior and fall well behind compared to the traditional counterparts, because maybe of the limitations rising from the consolidation of electricity and gasoline burning inside its engine.

The honda Civic hybrid boasts that it has broke that limitation. The Honda Civic hybrid is currently available on the market at not so reasonable prices.

But do not let it set a setback for you to own one of these hybrid cars. The features and benefits of owning and driving the Honda Civic hybrid for sure would outpace or break the disadvantages.

Dave Leonard writes many articles on different topics. Find out more about Hybrid Cars at http://www.thehybridcarsite.com

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Best and Worst of Toyota Models For 2009

Toyota Motor Sales, the company's official name, promises a "commitment to the environment."

They currently carry three lines of hybrids, the Prius, the Camry, and the Highlander SUV with more plans on the horizon to develop more fuel efficient and alternative energy vehicles that are affordable and green.

We took a look at the 2009 lineup and found the best and the worst.

The 2009 Toyota Camry - The Best

Always a customer favorite, the 2009 Toyota Camry still doesn't disappoint and you'll get a quality vehicle for your buck.

Models we looked at were the LE and SE, both with manual and automatic transmission options and both with 4 cylinder 2.4 liter engines. Their LE/SE V6 models have 3.5 liter engines offer 6 cylinders and come with automatic transmission only. All models were equipped with front wheel drive and fuel efficiency was as high as 25 miles to the gallon.

Consumers simply "love to drive" this vehicle and its redesigned drivetrain is pretty powerful. It is also one of the most comfortable and luxurious family sedans on the market and offers a simple radio design and easy to use controls.

With plenty of room for everyone, this good fuel mileage vehicle is still an easy pick for the money. The models we looked at for 2009 range in price from the base at $19,000 to the higher end models at $25,000.

The 2009 Toyota Yaris - The Worst

Consumers say there's not much that's really unique in this vehicle except for its 30 mile per gallon fuel efficiency and for its class; some think this vehicle should be cheaper.

Models in this review were the Coupe and Sedan that both have automatic or manual transmission options, 1.5 liter engines and range in price from base at 12,205 to their S models for around $15,880.

Customers didn't like the little road feel and considerable roll these models offered up and complained about the interiors; especially the placement of the cupholders and lack of storage space.

The vehicle's exterior design is better than the Echo, the vehicle it replaced, and the Yaris has an economical engine and good fuel efficiency. Still, all in all, Toyota should have put a little more design and engineering for comfort and amenities in the Yaris as well as better quality; especially in body materials used.

Summing Up Toyota

Toyota will stay on the forefront of the environment and seek ways to make affordable hybrids and most likely in the very near future. Further, Toyota keeps their prices on their current models at levels that fall into the average family budget.

With so many models to choose from, Toyota continues to climb the ladder past the Big Three in some classes. Remember to get a Toyota extended warranty when purchasing your Toyota; they will extend the manufacturer's warranty and save you money at repair time because these vehicles tend to have long lives and can endure a lot of mileage.

If you decide a Toyota is right for you, make sure to buy a Toyota extended warranty to save you big bucks on repairs when the original manufacturer's warranty runs out. An extended car warranty company, Warranty Direct has been helping consumers for 28 years and can help you save hundreds of dollars on an extended auto warranty.

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The 1972 Pontiac Grand Am

From its introduction in late 1972 to the present day the Pontiac Grand Am has remained an inspirational automobile, spawning a variety of imitators and impostors, but none that carry off the concept with quite the same style. Of course, those early cars were very different to the present day models, and with good reason, The early 70's were heady days indeed; the oil crisis was just around the corner, although we didn't know it, and the first Grand Am models came equipped with 6.5 liter or 7.4 liter V8 motors.

This was the age of the muscle car, those big bore monsters that epitomized the American automobile industry of the day, and the Grand Am fitted perfectly into the market. The bigger engine gave a mighty 250bhp, and fans of the car still wonder what the planned, but stillborn, 310bhp version would have been like. Both four door sedan and two door coupe were built, and the Grand Am proved so popular that over 40,000 were sold in the first year of production.

One interesting feature of the Pontiac Grand Am in its original guise was the nose, a molding of special plastic that was designed to go back to its right shape in the event of a minor collision! Reclining front seats were another unusual feature, one that was seldom seen on American cars of the era. The first Grand Am models are considered the Holy Grail by collectors, and when the oil crisis began to make a mark in 1974 sales plummeted.

Indeed, the 1975 sales year saw just 10,000 Grand AMs sold, a quarter of those that had been snapped up in the first year, and GM took the decision to scrap the model there and then. There are still many original Pontiac Grand Ams on the roads, lovingly tendered and cared for by dedicated enthusiasts with a love for this revered car.

Get Grand AM headlights and Grand AM fog lights for your car. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams

The Dodge Sprinter

The Dodge Sprinter is one of the best full-sized vans available in the new vehicle market. It has versatility and several options that make this vehicle the perfect choice for any commercial or private purchase. The design options allow the vehicle to be designed for the maximum seating capacity of 12 individuals or for maximum hauling capacity with only the front two cab seats.

It is even available in a chassis cab, for more specialization of the vehicle. With amazing safety features and customizable options including a choice in seat covers and colors, this vehicle is a smart option for all buyers. The manufacturer's suggested retail price starts around $37,000. This not only makes this van a smart, but an affordable option.

There are several options that the Dodge Sprinter offers to make this vehicle more convenient. For instance, the Sprinter can come with an extended roof package with raises the roof to 6-feet, 4 inches. This makes it nice and roomy for passengers and provides more hauling space for cargo vans. Also, this vehicle offers lighted entry ways. This is especially convenient at night time to help passengers see the steps to get into the van.

Additional lighting includes overhead target lighting throughout the passenger and cargo space. This makes it easy for passengers to maneuver inside the van without tripping over one another and other objects on the floor. It is convenient in the cargo vans, so you do not need a flashlight to locate packages or other small cargo that you may be hauling.

When carrying several passengers or climate-sensitive cargo, it is important to have a proper ventilation and climate control system. The Dodger Sprinter comes with dual air conditioners (one for the front and one for the back) providing better comfort for both the driver and the passengers. It can also come with an under-floor foot air duct, which provides warm air to the passengers in the cargo space. This allows for better comfort of the rear passengers.

Traveling is also made easier when multi-media is available. The Dodge Sprinter comes with options to install the state-of-the-art features. Standard features include a quality AM/FM tuner radio with a single CD port and MP3 jack. Other multimedia functions include phone-in connection to hook up your cell phone with a touch pad for dialing and a mute button.

Also, an interface module is available for your iPod. Best yet, the Dodge Sprinter offers a Garmin navigation system. The nuvi 760 offers a wide, colored screen with preloaded maps for easy directions to any destination you need to go. This is the perfect device for both private and commercial use. There is no more stopping for directions with this GPS system available at your finger tips.

Other features that make the Dodge Sprinter stand out from the competition is the fuel efficient Diesel engine, which has been proven to outperform both its Chevrolet and Ford counterparts. It also has the best turning radius in its class, so it is the perfect vehicle for maneuvering on any type of road or conditions. Plus, the cargo capacity and accessibility is second to none. All of these features add up to a magnificent full-sized vehicle suited for all of your transportation needs.

About the Author

Need a magnificent full-sized vehicle suited for all of your transportation needs? Choose a van that has been proven to outperform its competition. Contact Dodge Sprinter dealers at www.sprinterdealer.net for great deals on Sprinter vans.

The 1949 Dodge Coronet

1949 was a year of change around the halls of many American car manufacturers, Dodge included. A new age brought about new post-war body styles and a change away from the tired system of sticking the names Deluxe and Custom on pretty much everything that rolled off their assembly lines.

The Dodge Coronet was introduced along side two other trim levels named the Meadowbrook and the Wayfarer. All three cars are extremely close in appearance, so much so that to a casual observer there may appear to be no difference at all. The "major" differences involved some very minor exterior trim and style differences along with minor interior trim and options. The Coronet has the top spot in the trim level line up for this year and was available in the most variety of configurations. These different Coronet models included a two door hardtop and convertible, two different station wagons, and three versions of a four door vehicle.

All three trim levels had just one choice of engine - a 230 c.i. flat head 6 cylinder sporting a single carb and producing a whopping 103 horsepower. While the power plant may no have made much a splash the "FluidDrive", three speed transmission was of note. This tranny did not need a shift lever as it was operated by a foot pedal. As this was a high end model there were some luxury options offered such as a clock, radio, heater and turn signals.

While the initial Coronet was notable simply for it's new look and name badge the sales of this model line were significant. Over 250,000 of cars were sold in 1949 helping Dodge establish itself as one of the top auto makers in the class.

From this somewhat standard looking and handling post war production model one of the most well known muscle cars of the 1960's was born. While the Coronet badge was once the top of the line luxury trim package the names' status changed over the next decade or so.

The Dodge Coronet trim name slowly shifted from a top of the line model to a gritty muscle car as the 1950's and 60's progressed. These cars are a popular entry in car shows around the country and continue to be a popular collector car.

Will gets a kick out of old Dodge models of all kinds. Be sure to check out DodgeRestoration.com to see photos and find more information. Thanks!

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